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CentrePort Canada | Winnipeg
Since this development has the potencial to become among the largest in the city's history it deserves to have it own thread.
So Here it is.
Huge chance for 'Peg
Inland port would bring growth, investment, jobs
By CHUCK DAVIDSON
More than a century ago, Winnipeg's population exploded from 25,000 in 1891 to 179,000 just 30 years later.
This was thanks in large part to construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway line, which positioned Winnipeg as the gateway to the West from Eastern Canada.
Back then, transportation opened the door to mass immigration and trade across Canada and Winnipeg was perfectly positioned to reap the benefits. Fast forward to today and Winnipeg could once again reap the economic benefits of our central position, with transportation being the catalyst.
Last week, the Manitoba government introduced legislation that would create CentrePort Canada, a private sector focused corporation that would develop and promote Manitoba's inland port and build on the province's network of air, rail, sea and trucking routes.
The concept of an inland port is actually quite simple. Currently when goods are transported from overseas, they initially arrive at the port in ether Vancouver or Prince Rupert. From there, cargo typically has to be processed before it is shipped to its final destination throughout the continent.
The rationale for an inland port being established in Winnipeg is the processing could take place here because of our central location and established transportation networks.
Simply look at any map and our heart of the continent location reveals we are already positioned along the spine of the mid-continent trade corridor linking Mexico to the Port of Churchill. Further enhancing our case is the fact 80% of rail container traffic originating on the West Coast passes through Winnipeg on its way east.
The economic opportunity is tremendous and would result in growth, investment and jobs for Winnipeg, Manitoba and Canada -- but there is still a lot of work to be done before it becomes reality.
It should also be noted Winnipeg is not alone in attempting to position itself as a major destination for trade and transportation. Cities like Halifax, Sault St. Marie, Regina, Saskatoon, Calgary and Edmonton are all attempting to leverage financial assistance from their local governments, the federal government and the private sector to position themselves as inland port destinations.
IMPORTANT STEP
The creation of CentrePort Canada is an important step in providing Winnipeg with an edge on the competition. Barry Rempel, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Airports Authority, says there is land available immediately and a plan for future phases of fully serviced land.
All of the important players are on the same page in regards to the importance of this project. Premier Gary Doer, Mayor Sam Katz, the Manitoba Federation of Labour, as well as the business community, are all supportive of the initiative.
The development of an inland port probably won't result in our population growing at the rate it did a hundred years ago. But it should position us once again as not just Canada's gateway to the West but to the rest of the world.
Source: Winnipeg Sun
Last edited by newflyer; Sep 18, 2008 at 2:49 AM.
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